Intraocular osseous metaplasia presenting as a solid mass in chronic retinal detachment: a case report

Background Intraocular osseous metaplasia is a rare histological finding associated with benign cellular transformation. Its development requires inflammatory cytokines and the process takes many years. Previous case reports of intraocular ossification manifested as linear calcification or white plaques. In contrast, our case presented with a tumor-like solid mass, in which a long-standing chronic inflammatory stimulation may contribute to the stunning appearance. Case presentation This is a 48-year-old woman with past history of advanced Coat’s-like retinopathy and chronic retinal detachment in the left eye for 12 years. She underwent vitreoretinal surgery to prevent phthisis bulbi. During the operation, a 9 mm solid mass was found embedded within the proliferative tissue above the retina and was removed. Pathological findings revealed bone formation in the center of the mass surrounded by fibrous metaplasia and focal gliotic changes. Layers of cohesive cells were found lining on the external side of the mass, and further immuno-histochemical study suggested them retinal pigment epithelial cells. Postoperatively, the retina was attached with stable visual acuity and normal intraocular pressure. Conclusion To our knowledge, the appearance of a tumor-like mass representing intraocular osseous metaplasia in eyes with chronic inflammation or retinal detachment has not been reported in previous case reports. This case emphasizes the importance of considering osseous metaplasia as one of the differential diagnoses of an unknown intraocular mass, especially in eyes with great severity of chronic inflammation. Also, our immuno-histochemical study provided more evidence on the pathological role of retinal pigment epithelial cells in developing ossification.

THYROID CARCINOSARCOMA: A CASE REPORT

Thyroid carcinosarcoma is a rare and aggressive neoplasm of the thyroid gland, with a recurrent character and a bad prognosis, despite the introduction of a multimodal treatment that is not yet codied. We present a case of thyroid carcinosarcoma, number 32 described in the literature, in a 64-year-old man complicating a multinodular goiter that had been evolving for 10 years and which relapsed 6 months after total thyroidectomy. On the anatomopathological level, thyroid sarcoma was mentioned before the microscopic aspect of the tumor and conrmed by the immune histochemical study. The recurrence was massive requiring the use of tumor reduction surgery that allowed the avoidance of a tracheotomy and a good locoregional control of the tumor. And yet the patient died of lung metastases 4 months later.

Pharmacognostic Evaluation of Ocimum basilicum L

Aim: Standardization of Ocimum basilicum through pharmacognosy. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Plant Biology and Plant Biotechnology, Ethiraj College for Women, Chennai “Between” Dec 2014-April 15. Methodology: Organoleptic evaluation was carried out based on sensory characters. A free hand anatomical section of the stem was observed. Powder analysis, maceration, Phytochemical test and Fluorescence analysis were conducted according to standard protocol. Results: The organoleptic characters of the dried leaves of Ocimum basilicum were green, aromatic, pungent and brittle in texture with anomocytic stomata with stomatal index 71.87% in the lower epidermis. A prominent bundle sheath in the leaf was evident. The macerated stem showed annular xylem vessels. The aqueous extract showed the presence of alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids, and glycosides. Alkaloids and lignins were evident in the histochemical study. Conclusion: Pharmacognostic evaluation of Ocimum basilicum would help in identification, detection of adulterants and development of a monograph.